Operation "Kasten" (1942-12-28)

Part of the Anti-Partisan Operations in Croatia series by H.L. deZeng IV

Dates: 28 December 1942 – 3 January 1943. (1)

Objective: To clear Partisans from their camps in the Papuk Mountains east of the line Virovitica – Slavonska Požega in Slavonia.

Enemy Forces: Undetermined.

Axis Forces: Undetermined.

Conduct of Operations and Results: From the German after-action report: “Operation “Kasten” did not bring the hoped for success due to the betrayal of the build up and assembly of the troops prior to the attack. But the enemy did lose 35 dead and 73 people were arrested as suspects and sent off to the transient camp at Zemun. All camp barracks and shelters were destroyed and the supply dump was evacuated or destroyed. Some 580 horses and livestock were seized, along with a few weapons and individual items of equipment. The Croatian armed forces received the majority of the booty, but certain individuals attempted to sell the booty for personal gain. German personnel intervened and thwarted the sale. The livestock was turned over to a Croatian economic commission.